Team Yukon is back in action for the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island.

More than 170 Yukon athletes, coaches and mission staff will represent the territory at the country’s largest multi-sport competition from Saturday to March 5.

Team Yukon will have athletes competing in 15 of the 20 sports on the schedule, including archery, which is making its return to the Games.

Leading Team Yukon into the opening ceremonies as flag bearer will be hockey player Gavin McKenna.

At 14, McKenna was picked first overall in the 2022 Western Hockey League entry draft by the Medicine Hat Tigers.

In December 2022, his South Alberta Hockey Academy team won the Circle K Classic tournament, where he was named an all-star.

He tallied the most points and won the Most Valuable Player and Most Sportsmanlike awards.

“Hot on the heels of the territory’s successful 2023 Arctic Winter Games performances in Alberta, I am excited to be sending another team off to the Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island,” Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn said Thursday.

“I know our dedicated athletes will carry the momentum the Yukon built at the Arctics to P.E.I.

“The Yukon government is proud to support the territory’s athletes as they grow as skilled competitors and as inspiring community leaders. Good luck in P.E.I., Team Yukon, and have fun!”

Chef de Mission Trevor Twardochleb called the Games “an important opportunity for Yukon athletes to compete to their highest ability against the country’s best.

“Congratulations on making the team; I am proud of each and every one of you. I’d also like to thank our hosts in P.E.I. and the volunteers for the tremendous amount of work they have put in to make the Games possible.”

The Canada Games are the largest amateur multi-sport event in the country. They alternate between winter and summer every two years.

The Yukon government contributed $150,000 to support Team Yukon’s attendance at the event.

More than 3,000 athletes, coaches and mission staff from across Canada will attend the 2023 Games.

The competition will feature 20 sports, including the debut of karate and female boxing and the return of fencing and archery.